Doctors

After completing my primary qualification from Mangalore University in Southern India I did my postgraduate training in Anaesthetics from the International University of Manipal (near Mangalore) and then worked in teaching profession in India and Nepal before moving to the UK.

I completed my postgraduate training in general practice in 2006 from West Midlands deanery (Solihull training scheme) and have been working at a few practices in Sandwell area before joining at the current practice in January 2011.

I have special interests in respiratory disease management (Asthma ,COPD) and pain management. I have a great interest in understanding the psychological aspect of illnesses, preventive medicine and public health. I also do well man clinics as a part of my consultation process.

Knowledge empowers patients to prevent and fight their diseases more effectively. To this end, I strive to provide my patients with adequate medical information to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

I grew up in Bangalore,India and completed my undergraduate medical education from JJM medical college,Davangere. After this I completed my post graduate degree in ophthalmology from KIMS Bangalore.

I completed post graduate general practice training from west midlands deanery in 2011 and worked as salaried GP in Tipton before joining the current practice in may 2012.

My particular areas of interest include women's health, child health and palliative care.I have obtained the skills and qualifications required to provide long acting contraceptives like IUD, mirena and implant .As a practice we are planning to provide these services at our surgery to enable patients to acess these services locally.

I enjoy travelling , watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Nurses

Susan Lewis

RGN RSCN (Dip)

Practice nurses are qualified and registered nurses. They can help with health issues such as family planning, healthy living advice, blood pressure checks and dressings. The practice nurses run clinics for long-term health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, minor ailment clinics and carry out cervical smears.

Practice Management

Mrs Susan J Astley (f)

I have worked as a Primary Care Manager for the NHS for over 20 years. I have worked as a Practice Manager for the last 11 years working for single handed GPs and large multi partner Practices. I am responsible for the day to day management of all aspects of The Spires Health Centre, this includes Business Administration, Finance, HR, Premises Management, and Patient Services.

Outside of the Practice I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, reading, travel, and eating out.

Our Practice endeavours to deliver high quality patient services we welcome input from all of our patients. If you have any worries, queries or suggestions on how we can improve and develop our services please do not hesitate to contact me.

I think of myself as friendly and helpful with a caring nature. I try to help everyone if I can. I am easy to talk to so if you have any concerns, queries or questions please don't hesitate to ask me.

Outside of the practice I enjoy go to our caravan based in Much Wenlock, Shropshire and spending time with my two teenage daughters.

Administration

Emma

Donna

Julie

Sam

Jayne

Paul

Reception

Receptionists provide an important link for patients with the practice and are your initial contact point for general enquiries. They can provide basic information on services and results and direct you to the right person depending on your health issue or query. Receptionists make most of the patient appointments with the GPs and nurses. They also perform other important tasks such as issuing repeat prescriptions and dealing with prescription enquiries, dealing with financial claims, dealing with patient records and carrying out searches and practice audits.

Health Visitors

A health visitor is a registered nurse who has received training particularly related to babies, children and pregnant women. Their role is to provide families with children under five years old with support and advice around the general aspects of mental, physical and social wellbeing.